Notes of books by alumni
This page notes books that alumni of the College have had published recently. Please write or email in with details of books you think other alumni will enjoy,
India: Past Glimpses of Country Life by The Revd Canon C M Copland (at Cuddesdon College 1933)
Published by Melrose Books and available from www.melrosebooks.com or 01353 646608.
India: Past Glimpses of Country Life provides an in-depth account of the Christian Mission sent from Scotland to Chanda, India, in 1870. The information is derived from the first-hand knowledge of those who took part as well as a range of other sources. In addition, readers will find interesting accounts of jungle life. The book describes how missionaries, forced to live in simple conditions, came to reside in Chanda and gradually became accepted. The book recounts how the mission grew with the construction of schools and a hospital. The missionaries often had to work as teachers or nurses, builders or plumbers, shooting tigers and hunting for food, all in the extreme heat. They were often loved by their Indian neighbours and enjoyed it all, almost living at the same level as the villagers. Aside from the Christian focus of the book, the author gives first-hand details of many interesting aspects of Indian culture and village life. Even though they brought Christian teachings, the missionaries were widely accepted in the villages, possibly because of their fluency in Marathi. The author lived in India before the war, through the war with its troublous days, and into Independence. India: Past Glimpses of Country Life provides insight into the achievements of Missions in India in changing times, and shows the work of missionaries, themselves sharing in village life.